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Post by pacecars on Jul 12, 2022 20:00:50 GMT -5
Well I have decided that my retirement gun should be a .500 caliber of some type. I am looking at either a .500 Linebaugh or a .500 JRH in a 5 1/2” barrel. I am currently bidding on a Linebaugh chambered gun but if I lose out to someone with deeper pockets I think my next choice will be to have JRH build me one of his .500 JRH chambered guns. In that event would it be better to start with a Freedom Arms 83 or a Ruger Bisley?
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Post by Encore64 on Jul 12, 2022 20:13:26 GMT -5
My vote is Ruger Bisley...
It can be built to use 500 S&W Brass trimmed to 1.4". The FA83 cannot due the chamber axis being too close to the ratchet.
As an added bonus, you can still use 500 JRH or Starline 500 Special Brass too...
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rando
.240 Incinerator
Posts: 7
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Post by rando on Jul 12, 2022 20:51:27 GMT -5
Congrats on your retirement!!
I'm about a year out from mine and also decided I also "needed" a .500 to enjoy in retirement. As I am on a tighter budget, custom really wasn't an option. But I am more than satisfied with the BFR I was able to acquire and I look forward to putting it through its paces once I accumulate the necessary reloading components. My only plans for modification of this stock gun will be to upgrade the grips from the white polymer panels. I have a nice little piece of stabilized maple burl that I intend to make grip panels out of... eventually.
Congrats again on whatever you end up with, I wish you years of good shootin'!!!
Randy
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Post by potatojudge on Jul 12, 2022 21:24:51 GMT -5
For the chambering, if you ever want to use jacketed bullets the JRH is the clear winner.
For the base gun, FA in the JRH makes a lot of sense. If using a Ruger, I'd probably go Linebaugh. Of the two, I think I prefer the custom Ruger. They just sit in the hand a little more securely.
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Post by bushog on Jul 12, 2022 21:32:14 GMT -5
My vote would be for the Linebaugh/Ruger combination. If you have one built you need to start searching for a gun with the proper serial # placement. The new Stainless .45 Colt Bisleys Ruger is currently producing are perfect.
For a blue one .357 Bisleys have the best chance of being good.
You can also shoot the .50 Special out of it if you’re so inclined. It’s a great round for lighter bullets and less velocity. I guess Trailboss works just as well in reality…
Good luck on the one you’re after. It’s a nice one!
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Post by bigbrowndog on Jul 12, 2022 21:40:52 GMT -5
I really like the Linebaugh, but the JRH has a much better selection of components and does the same thing. As for which platform, l have both and really don’t have issues with either although the need to use JRH brass or trim SW brass is a bit of a pain on the FA.
Trapr
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Post by pacecars on Jul 13, 2022 7:15:05 GMT -5
Does Bowen chamber for the JRH? I have always wanted one of his guns with an ovate barrel
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Post by rjm52 on Jul 13, 2022 8:16:07 GMT -5
Still asking myself why I bought a .500 SA but it is kinda a fun gun to shoot...
Went the FA 83 route as someone had made up just the gun I would have...a 4.75" round butt with the original .500WE cylinder and a custom .454 to .500 JRH cylinder...
Really comes down to what you like for the gripframe. If a FA square or RB frame fits your hand better go for it... If you like the Ruger Bisly or a modified Bisley go that way.
And take the advise above...go for a .501 like a JRH or Special. Have the chamber cut to be able to use both sizes of rims and lengths and you will have a wider selection of brass and bullets...
...and congratulations on getting to the end of the tunnel...at least having to work wise...
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Post by bigbore5 on Jul 13, 2022 9:05:18 GMT -5
Buy a bfr in both cartridges. You'll still have money left over to customize the finish on both.
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cdf41
.30 Stingray
Posts: 465
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Post by cdf41 on Jul 13, 2022 10:36:25 GMT -5
Congratulations on retirement! I've been watching a few BFRs on GB in both calibers,would prefer a 475 with the 5 or 5.5 inch barrel though.
After just looking one of the 500 JRHs sold for $720! Doh!
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Post by bigbrowndog on Jul 13, 2022 13:18:12 GMT -5
Pacecars, I’ve been retired for just over a year. Retired 6/1/2021, and it’s been F’n GRAND!!! It actually feels like I’ve been retired for longer than a year, what with all the stuff I’ve accomplished once retired.
What I want when I want, and for whatever duration I want. Even with this disastrous economy, and C19 BS, it’s been nice.
Trapr
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Post by AxeHandle on Jul 13, 2022 13:48:34 GMT -5
10 Years into retirement... Wrist bones intact... Went through a lot of 475s and 50s over the years. Thought I had them out of my 70 year old head. This Magnum Research 500 S&W magnum just won't go away... Holding dies, brass, powder, primers, bullets, and even a conversion for a Dillon 550.  |
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Post by paul105 on Jul 13, 2022 15:35:12 GMT -5
Here's a JRH FA83 500 JRH conversion. 5" Oct bbl. I bought it used so don't know all the particulars other than the barrel and an excellent trigger job. As I've aged, my grip strength has deteriorated so I put the Pachmayr grips on it which allows me to control recoil a bit better. I know about turning rims and trimming cases - 150 came with the gun and I bought another 200 "500 JRH" head stamped from Jack. I like the lighter weight vs. the BFR (approx 3/4 Lb). Chased a nice Ruger Conversion w/sheep grips but lost out to Squawberry. Here'mine: .  . Good luck with whatever your decide on. Paul |
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Post by lar4570 on Jul 13, 2022 18:15:27 GMT -5
The JRH is limited to around a 480gn bullet because of the contour of the case walls. So if you ever want to try the 525s, the Linebaugh would be the way to go.
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Post by bigbrowndog on Jul 13, 2022 19:37:01 GMT -5
Paul that’s a good looking gun!!
Being limited to 480gr. is not a bad thing considering the penetrative qualities of brass and copper bullets, there really is no need for 500+ grain bullets for hunting. Whitworth used 410gr for his Cape B. Using modern bullets IMO, all the 500’s shine with 400-475gr on big game, and using less than 400 they become great all around hunting guns for medium game.
Trapr
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